Get the hype train ready- even the creator of Banjo-Kazooie is supporting Banjo Kazooie in Smash Ultimate!
Steve Mayles, the character designer behind King K. Rool and Banjo Kazooie, Tweeted today hinting at Banjo Kazooie’s inclusion in the Smash Ultimate Roster. He even supports the Banjo For Smash hashtag that fans have been driving forward for months.
10 years since #KingKRool was last in a game – he's coming to #SmashBrosUltimate
10 years since #banjokazooie was last in a game….?#BanjoForSmash
— Steve Mayles (@WinkySteve) August 19, 2018
This doesn’t necessarily confirm that Banjo Kazooie will be in Smash Ultimate. Gregg Mayles, Steve’s brother and Rare’s creative director, recently told fans he had no idea King K. Rool made the roster until the announcement. However, it’s definitely not a bad sign.
Microsoft and Rare Support Banjo Kazooie in Smash Ultimate
Most of the people behind Banjo Kazooie and even the rights owners have expressed support for his inclusion in Smash Bros.
Earlier this year, head of Xbox Phil Spencer told a fan he’d still be happy to let Banjo and Kazooie appear in Smash Bros.
Yep.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 20, 2018
The music composer for the Banjo series, Grant Kirkhope, has also shown support. Although he’s doubtful, he admits there’s still a chance Nintendo could be using the character.
yes, but I'm very doubtful
— Grant Kirkhope (@grantkirkhope) August 12, 2018
The #BanjoForSmash Movement
Banjo Kazooie is a character that Smash Bros fans have wanted ever since Melee. Now, with various fan favorites finally making the roster, many have made arguments for Banjo Kazooie in Smash Bros Ultimate.
Some have even taken to Twitter to call for his inclusion.
Fans such as @kevin_mcmillen have been at the forefront of this- promoting hashtags such as #BanjoForSmash and #BringBanjoBack and even reaching out to the game’s staff.
#BanjoKazooie fans! Friday is the 20th anniversary (as I’m sure you all know) and it seems that @RareLtd has completely forgotten about our favorite bear and bird. What would you like to see happen with them in the future? @Xbox @XboxP3
— Kevin # BanjoForSmash JusticeForBanjo BanjoKazooie (@kevin_mcmillen) June 25, 2018
Who is Banjo Kazooie?
Banjo-Kazooie was one of the top 10 best-selling N64 games of all time. The platformer followed a bear (Banjo) and bird (Kazooie) duo as they traversed a world full of puzzles and collectibles to defeat evil witch Gruntilda.
Although it spawned an N64 sequel in Banjo-Tooie, the series didn’t follow Nintendo to the Gamecube. Instead, the studio behind the game, Rare, was picked up by Xbox.
They’ve since made ‘Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts’ for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. The team behind the original game also created ‘Yooka Laylee’, a spiritual successor.
However, fans still long for the old Banjo-Kazooie. With these recent comments, they may finally return to Nintendo.